The SEXtember guide to STIs

SO what are Sexually Transmissable Infections (STIs or STDs) and why are we harping on about them this Sextember? Monique Edwards gives you the lowdown on what can happen, well, down low and what you can do about it.

Safe sex is smart sex. It prevents several unhealthy and dangerous infections from happening to you or your partner.

Protection and precaution are key ways to prevent STIs. If you think you might have any symptoms that match one of the STIs mentioned below, contact a health care professional as soon as possible and get tested. It’s also very important to let your sexual partners know if you’ve contracted an STI in order to prevent it from spreading.

While some STIs such as Chlamydia are treatable, other STIs such as HIV include a lifetime of treatment and other potential complications. It is vital to recognise safe sex and lifestyle choices in order to avoid STIs altogether.

Without further ado, here are seven common Sexually Transmissable Infections (STIs) – or Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and what you can do to prevent them.

SymptomsFor women, symptoms include bleeding after sex and pain when urinating. Men, on the other hand, may find discharge or experience pain. And if left untreated, Chlamydia can lead to even more complications like the Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

What to doHaving safe, protected sex using a condom is the key to preventing Chlamydia. But if it’s too late for that, this infection can still be treated with antibiotics – though sometimes symptoms may go unnoticed. So if you think you might have an infection, it’s best to go to a doctor to seek advice.

What it isGonorrhoea is another common STI in Australia. It’s a bacterial infection of the genitals, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Sexual Health Australia explains gonorrhea can grow and multiply and effect women’s and men’s reproductive organs. It can also infect other parts of the body including the eyes and throat.

SymptomsWhile sometimes no symptoms occur, men might notice discharge or swollen testicles, while women may also experience discharge or pain while urinating.

What to doAs people may not experience any immediate symptoms or warning signs, it’s important to seek advice from a health professional to prevent a possible infection from worsening or spreading to other individuals. Using a condom during sex will help with prevention.

What it isHepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) which “lives in blood, semen and vaginal fluids.” It can be contracted through unprotected sex, use of non-sterile needles or sharing items that may contain another person’s blood (i.e. razors).

What to doHepatitis B can be diagnosed by a blood test and treated with a vaccination over several months. But there is currently no cure for the virus. Prevention includes using a condom during sex, not sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes, and being careful that needles are sterilized when getting body piercing or tattoos.

What it isHerpes are painful blisters caused by the Herpes simplex virus. More than 1 in 10 Australians carry the virus responsible for genital herpes.

SymptomsHerpes causes gential sores and also cold sores on the face, spread by kissing.

What to doUsing condoms is only half-preventative when it comes to Herpes. The best – and perhaps most obvious- way to avoid Herpes altogether is to not have sex with someone who has blisters.

While there are medications to help with treatment for genital herpes, there is no cure. Without treatment, this infection could lead to other serious health problems including meningitis, or it could increase your chances of contracting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

What it isHIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and its ability to protect itself from other infections and illnesses. According to AVERT, an international HIV and AIDS charity, HIV is “found in blood and other body fluids such as semen and vaginal fluids.”

Two common ways of contracting HIV include having unprotected sex or sharing needles and syringes.

What to doHIV is detected by a doctor through a blood test and although there is no cure, HIV is treated by antiretrovirals in order to help prevent further damage to the immune system. If left untreated, HIV could lead to AIDS (Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome).

Using condoms during sex is an important way to avoid contracting HIV. It is important to get tested for HIV in order to prevent the virus from worsening and also to avoid spreading it to other individuals.

What it isHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) is a type of virus that results in warts, including genital warts. If left untreated, genital HPV could lead to other complications, including cervical cancer.

SymptomsGenital warts vary in size and shape, but they can be inspected by a doctor in order to make a proper diagnosis.

What to doWomen can also ask a doctor for a Pap smear test, which can determine whether HPV is present. HPV warts can be treated with creams or removed, and sometimes they will naturally clear up overtime.

Using a condom during sex is one way to help prevent HPV. But if other unprotected areas of skin come into contact with the virus, this may still lead to an infection.

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